Ken, a few years ago there was a case where this
enormous set of B/C antlers were shown off here in the
states with a bogus story that went with it.(I bet some
of these guys/gals on this forum will remember this cas).
Turns out the 'horns' were recocnized and were stolen
(or sold) out of a taxidermy shop in Canada. The proud new
owner that claimed to have shot it had some explainin' to do
and I believe was convicted.
The mere fact that guy didn't file his own police report
should make him the primary suspect or at least an
accomplise. He may not have wanted to make those deer horns
'hot' for an unknowing buyer or assured a knowning buddy that
he would just say they were stolen. Who knows.
But you need to establish a dollar figure on them and like
people are telling you, to replace the property, in your case
a 140+ class deer, would cost 2 - 5k. (Look in Texas Trophy
Hunter's Mag. and call some of the hunting ranches to
get a formal quote).
He needs enough pressure brought to bear on him to retrieve
your horns. You don't know what he sold them for but I bet it
wasn't 5k. If he's faced with compensating you 2-5k plus possible Felony Theft charges, or at least Negligence he'd be smart to retrieve them.
His buyer can be faced w/ Recieving Stolen Property.
A phone call from a Game Warden or Sheriff's Dept. to this
winner explaining this might be all it takes.
I'd cause him some sleepless nights.
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